A reader question:
Hi Muffy,
I would like to ask the readership a question if I may.
My wife bought me some motif socks for Christmas (pheasants, ducks and foxes to match my interests). Being a bit reserved it is not something I would have normally considered wearing, but for obvious reasons I have felt compelled to do so and have come to like them worn with khakis.
Would other male readers wear them, or is it a step too far?
Kind regards
It seems that everything I wear daily is tan, navy or green. For socks, simply natural undyed wool nylon mix.
ReplyDeleteIf my orthopedic surgeon can wear socks with lobsters in them while operating and still command respect, you can wear them with khakis. Get your freak on and who cares what anyone thinks.
ReplyDeleteAs the O.P. I love this. Since sending the question I've added lobsters and Crabs!
DeleteI’m way too boring for anything other than plain socks.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely acceptable! I am a fan of Darn Tough. They have a cute pair with a gardening motif that I wear all the time. I do, however, wish they would expand their selection of motif socks to include some more preppy-ish styles. Their sock designs lean heavily hippie. If anyone has a source for motif socks in merino, I’d love to know. Absolutely despise cotton socks.
ReplyDeleteConsidered acceptable by whom? I can’t imagine wearing something because it’s acceptable to others.
DeleteHave you tried bamboo socks? Lots of motif patterns
DeleteYes, motif socks are fine for casual wear and do add a little spice and whimsy to a wardrobe. Go ahead, put courage in your step. Cordings offers a very nice selection of themes for a gentleman:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.cordings.co.uk/us/wine-flock-of-birds-sock.html
I passed by Cordings last December, but alas, I only looked in the windows. I have everything I need, several times over, and couldn't think of anything at the moment. I just had a look at their socks on the website, thanks to your suggestion - and now will at least stop by for the heel and toe socks in navy / red. Thanks again!
DeleteMotif socks are acceptable, but only when done in moderation, and when worn in the right circumstances.
ReplyDeleteAgain, someone is using the word acceptable. Acceptable to whom?
DeleteAcceptable to people who have taste and style, obviously.
DeleteAcceptable to me - which is all ye need to know.
DeleteI enjoy clothes. I enjoy buying clothes. I enjoy dressing well. I wear what makes me feel good. I’ve basically been wearing the same uniform for the last 60 years. Personally, I would not wear socks with any sort of image on them but to each his own. Wear what makes you happy. Don’t give a damn about what anyone thinks. PERIOD
DeleteSocks like that can be a nice touch. Proceed and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWhat are socks?
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to socks, one size does not fit all. The answer depends very much on circumstance and on what you wish to communicate about yourself. A surgeon should not wear motif socks into the operating room for he same reason that a corporate attorney should not where them into the courtroom, a quarterback should not wear them during the Super Bowl, and a general should not wear them into the Pentagon. Whimsy and gentle vanity are inappropriate when the stakes are high and others are depending on us. That much should be obvious.
ReplyDeleteBy contrast, no sensible person at the yacht club on Saturday afternoon would object to hosiery with a sailing or lobster motif. I wouldn't wear motif socks myself because I don't care for whimsy or for the kind of attention such socks might attract. But the person who did wear them in those circumstances would not thereby convey poor judgement or anything suspect about themselves.
Interesting comment re surgeons who like to wear bright colorful caps in the operating room
DeleteOr socks with lobsters on them as noted above.
DeleteThe OR is not a public place or office where clients can judge you. It's a secured, sterilized environment with lots of equipment.When I had heart surgery, I never saw the operating room because the nurses put me under before wheeling me in. Personally, I care far more about a doctor's skill than his socks.
DeleteGreat comment. I have been told that surgeons and hospital doctors wear a splash of color to try and cheer up what is essentially a grim environment
DeleteI would not want motif socks, but it does not bother me for others to wear them. I have a pair of navy merino Pantherellas that will probably last a couple of decades longer since I am almost always sockless.
ReplyDeleteI do wear them. Polo Bears, Polo Players, Ducks, Crabs and Lobsters are in my current rotation.
ReplyDeleteGHWB loved them.
ReplyDeleteTo each his own! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE motif socks, as does my husband! I wear them quite often, preferring any type of animal on them - especially foxes. For men, they seem to only be available in the thinner sock, which for my husband, is not ideal as he likes a thicker sock for some of his shoes; others - he wears the motifs. --HLC
ReplyDeleteI enjoy motif/fun/critter socks myself! I draw the line at wearing them with a suit. Anything else is fair game.
ReplyDeleteI have a few motif socks from Corgi in the rotation. They are on the thinner side
ReplyDeleteI wear these types of socks frequently. Generally, I try to have them somewhat coordinate with my outfit.
ReplyDeleteOnly with shorts, and they have to have seafood motifs.
ReplyDeleteI like motif socks for casual wear. For any time, socks from Bresciani fit for any occasion! O'Connell's usually has a fair assortment.
ReplyDeleteShould I be concerned that my male Golden only tears up motif socks depicting quail?
ReplyDeleteWe only wear hand knit socks with our clan pattern.
ReplyDeleteI like motif socks and own a few pair along with my argyle socks. As long as they are not too obnoxious - I realize this is subjective.
ReplyDeleteAt prep schools and in the Army sloppy posture(looking at the ground) is corrected, so viewing socks should not be an issue. Questionable socks can be kept in Wellies (see above ). Hopefully socks discourage disease bearing ticks from running up one's legs.
ReplyDeleteI’m confused by the number of times in this thread that the words judgment and acceptable have been used.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymouse, judgment and acceptance are the very essence of this Blog.
DeleteThere would be no point in asking questions otherwise. Love the idea that you wear quail motif socks!
Delete